ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a case history of Pennsylvania Power and Light Company's Public Advisory Committee, which is useful for what it reveals not only about their particular experiment in public participation, but also about public responsibility for the social process of technology more broadly. Inherent in the social process of technology is a public responsibility for the shaping and control of that process. Thus, active participation in the technological decision-making process is vital if the public is to play an effective role in acquitting any such responsibility. Having a sense that there really is a range of alternatives in a given siting situation, or that the company is willing to consider other options, is an important part of public involvement in planning. Eleanor Winsor is Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council and has a broad range of experience in environmental issues and regulation with respect to hazardous waste facilities planning.
